Four members of a Florida family have been sentenced to prison for selling a toxic industrial bleach as a fake COVID-19 cure through their online church. Mark Grenon, 66, and his sons Joseph, 36, Jonathan, 37, and Jordan, 29, were found guilty of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government and FDA by distributing an unapproved and misbranded drug. They operated under the guise of the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing, selling Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS) as a cure for various diseases, including COVID-19.
The Grenons marketed MMS as a chemical solution containing sodium chlorite that could treat, prevent, and cure COVID-19, as well as 95% of known diseases. However, the Federal Drug Administration never approved MMS for any use and warned that consuming it was the same as drinking bleach, with dangerous side effects.
Prosecutors portrayed the Grenons as con artists who used their fake church website to defraud consumers and the government. The family operated the scheme since 2010, but their sales increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. They set up a fake Florida church website that conned thousands of people across the U.S.
In April 2020, the family defied FDA orders to stop distributing MMS, leading to criminal charges. A raid on their home in Bradenton uncovered loaded guns, nearly 10,000 pounds of sodium chlorite powder, and thousands of bottles of MMS. Jonathan and Jordan were arrested in Bradenton, while Joseph fled to Colombia and was later extradited.
During the trial, the Grenons represented themselves and maintained their innocence. However, the jury found them guilty, resulting in prison sentences ranging from five to twelve years. The family plans to appeal the verdict.
This case highlights the dangers of misinformation and fraudulent products during public health crises. The prosecution emphasized that the Grenons’ scheme was built on deception and dishonesty, urging consumers to rely on approved medical treatments and guidance from reputable sources.
The Grenons’ actions may have caused multiple deaths and serious health issues. The FDA received reports of people requiring hospitalization, developing life-threatening conditions, and even dying after consuming MMS. The criminal case brought against them in April 2020 was the first pandemic-related enforcement action in Florida.
As fraudsters and scammers seek to exploit people’s fears during crises, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and rely on verified information from trusted sources. The court’s decision sends a message that those who engage in such fraudulent activities will be held accountable for their actions.